Evaluating within‐population variability in behavior and demography for the adaptive potential of a dispersal‐limited species to climate change. Issue 24 (17th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muñoz, David J.; Miller Hesed, Kyle; Campbell Grant, Evan H.; Miller, David A. W.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 6:Issue 24(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 8740
• Page End: 8755
• Publication Date: 2016-11-17
• Subjects: adaptive capacity -- behavioral plasticity -- climate change -- color morph -- demography -- Plethodon cinereus; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Multiple pathways exist for species to respond to changing climates. However, responses of dispersal‐limited species will be more strongly tied to ability to adapt within existing populations as rates of environmental change will likely exceed movement rates. Here, we assess adaptive capacity in Plethodon cinereus, a dispersal‐limited woodland salamander. We quantify plasticity in behavior and variation in demography to observed variation in environmental variables over a 5‐year period. We found strong evidence that temperature and rainfall influence P. cinereus surface presence, indicating changes in climate are likely to affect seasonal activity patterns. We also found that warmer summer temperatures reduced individual growth rates into the autumn, which is likely to have negative demographic consequences. Reduced growth rates may delay reproductive maturity and lead to reductions in size‐specific fecundity, potentially reducing population‐level persistence. To better understand within‐population variability in responses, we examined differences between two common color morphs. Previous evidence suggests that the color polymorphism may be linked to physiological differences in heat and moisture tolerance. We found only moderate support for morph‐specific differences for the relationship between individual growth and temperature. Measuring environmental sensitivity to climatic variability is the first step in predicting species' responses to climate change. Our results suggest phenological shifts and changes in growth rates are likely responses under scenarios where further warming occurs, and we discuss possible adaptive strategies for resulting selective pressures. Abstract : We investigate how environmental conditions influence the behavior and fitness for an amphibian species, the red‐backed salamander. Our results show that under drier and warmer conditions, the species will likely have restricted access to resources and will likely exhibit slower growth. This suggests that changes in activity patterns, shifts in life history, or physiological adaptation may need to occur to ensure population persistence.